Does your online business have its own branded email yet?

Or are you using a free gmail (or hotmail 😅) address?

What are branded emails?

If you’re just starting out in your biz and bootstrapping it, you may have wondered whether you can use your @gmail.com email for your biz. 

I’m just gonna say it — don’t do it. 

It’s a bad idea. 

Get your own branded business email asap. So rather than yourcoolcompany@gmail.com, it’ll be yourname@yourcoolcompany.com. 

Here’s the deal…

Don’t let a personal gmail email stop you from getting your first client or two. I’ll always be advocating for you to get your offer validated and get that first paying client. 

BUT…

If you’re starting a business that you want to build, fast or slow, you’re going to have to market yourself. You know, get the word out that you’re offering something that others can pay you for… whether that’s on social media, ads, networking, asking for referrals etc. 

You’ll need to be able to give folks a way to contact you, and having your own branded business email is better than a free gmail, outlook, hotmail or yahoo account. 

I can practically hear you thinking “okay Clarissa, but WHY is it better?”

Why you want a branded email address for business

For starters, some business software or services require a business email to create an account, such as email marketing software platforms. I have never seen a business that wouldn’t benefit from having its own email list, so this for me is the biggest reason to get one. 

Next, to a client getting your business-related email from a gmail account (or one of those other free ones) looks spammy. Folks might ignore or block you just for that. 

Using your own business email looks more professional and helps you build a base level of trust with your potential customers or clients. 

Lastly, if or when you ever expand your team of one, you need the control and security that comes with a business email. This can be a whole topic of discussion on its own, but the long and short of it is that you need to be in control of your own business data. And personal accounts can muck that up with a click of a “send” button. 

How to get a branded email address for your business

If you don’t yet have your own branded business email address, here’s what I suggest. 

Get a web domain 

Get your own web domain if you don’t have one yet. This is basically a website address like “yourcoolcompany.com”. I recommend namecheap.com (affiliate link). I personally use them for my own domains, they have excellent customer support and they’re super affordable. 

Get hosting – maybe*

Once you have your domain name, you’ll also need hosting if you’re going to be building your website right away.. 

*If you’re using an all in one solution like podia or squarespace, OR if you only want to start with a branded email and do a website later, you can skip this. 

For hosting, I recommend Siteground. They have excellent service and their interface is incredibly easy to use. 

If you’re bootstrapping and can’t quite afford Siteground, get hosting from Namecheap. Their hosting is very affordable and will cover your needs for starting out. 

If you need help deciding which plan to use, DM me on IG or TT @msclarissawhite and let me know how tech-savvy you consider yourself. I’ll send you a couple of extra follow up questions, then make some recommendations for you. 

Got your hosting? Excellent!

Set up your branded email

Now you still need to get your own branded email. 

Regardless of who you go with for hosting, namecheap or elsewhere, your hosting provider will either include email for free, or as a very inexpensive add on. 

Alternatively you can use a service like Google Workspace. This is still quite affordable and has the added benefits of both being familiar, as well as getting cloud storage and their productivity suite of tools like docs, sheets, calendar, etc. I personally use and highly recommend Google Workspace for email management. 

Another alternative is the PrivateEmail service from Namecheap. All you need to set up and use a branded email is your own web domain and their Private Email service. No hosting required if you aren’t doing a website yet. 

Both options, either with your hosting provider or a service like Google Workspace or PrivateEmail, will walk you through how to set up your email account. 

The best part?

You can start using your branded email right away.

Nope, you don’t even need to have a website up and running.  

In conclusion – branded emails for business

Getting a branded email address set up for your business doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Follow my tips and recommendations above to get your branded email set up quickly, easily and affordably. 

Do you have your own branded email set up yet? 

If you have any questions or want to chat, DM me on IG or TT @msclarissawhite. 

Bonus tips

Read the Business Beginner Basics series

• 5 Self-Sabotaging Online Business Mistakes
• Does your online business have its own branded email yet? (you are here)
• Why I don’t let my clients use copy-paste swipe files for Privacy Policies
• The reality about growing an audience and email list for your business
• Email marketing – connecting with your audience and nurturing those relationships
• Start selling in your business, even if you’re not ready yet